Happy Lemon Cream Pie Day (29 Nov)! This dessert combines tangy lemon and smooth cream. Its fresh, vibrant flavors are irresistible for today’s celebration.
Contents
Lemon cream pie recipe
Lemon cream pie is a variation of traditional lemon pies, such as lemon meringue. It has a smooth, custard-like filling and a bright lemon flavor.
The lemon pie has a tangy, sweet lemon flavor and a creamy texture. It features a buttery graham cracker crust. This buttery crust is the perfect contrast to the smooth filling. The dessert is especially popular during spring and summer gatherings.
Here is how to make the lemon cream pie:
Lemon Cream Pie
This lemon cream pie features a buttery, flaky crust. The creamy, tangy lemon filling is the star of the dessert. Topped with whipped cream, it's a refreshing and indulgent treat.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
For the filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice about 4-5 lemons
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the whipped topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well mixed.
- Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and set. Let it cool completely.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together heavy cream, milk, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- In a mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream on top of the chilled lemon filling before serving.
- Slice and enjoy your tangy, creamy, and refreshing Lemon Cream Pie!
Pairing suggestions
Lemon cream pie pairs well with a variety of dishes and occasions.
- Drink Pairings
- Lemon cream pie cocktail mimics lemon cream pie flavors.
- Lemon meringue pie cocktail complements the pie beautifully.
- Champagne or prosecco provides a refreshing contrast to lemon cream pie. They cut through the pie’s sweetness.
- Lemonade balances the pie’s tartness. Its citrus flavor aligns with the lemony filling.
- Iced tea can be a refreshing accompaniment. It does not overpower the pie’s flavors.
- Occasions and Foods
- Dessert Buffets: It complements chocolate mousse, fruit tarts, and mini cheesecakes.
- Light Lunches or Brunches: Lemon cream pie complements spinach salad, quiche Lorraine, and smoked salmon bagels.
- Dinner Parties: It pairs well with roasted meats like herb-roasted chicken or grilled fish.
- Festive Occasions: Lemon cream pie is great for celebrations like Easter or Christmas. It can be served with traditional dishes like honey-glazed ham or roasted vegetables.
- Picnics and Outdoor Gatherings: This cream pie is perfect with charcuterie boards and light appetizers like bruschetta or caprese skewers.
Variations
Lemon cream pie can be adapted in various ways to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are several popular variations:
- Lemon Sour Cream Pie contains lemon juice, sour cream, sugar, cornstarch, and a homemade crust. This variation has a custard-like filling with tempered eggs for richness. The filling is cooked on the stovetop until thickened. It is poured into a baked crust and chilled.
- Lemon and Cream Cheese Pie contains cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and a richer filling. The result is a denser filling with tangy flavor.
- Creamy Lemon Pie contains sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lemon juice, and almond graham cracker crust. This recipe uses fewer ingredients for the filling. The crust incorporates almond flour for flavor. The pie is creamy with a distinct lemon flavor.
- Lemon Pudding Pie contains pudding mix, lemon juice, zest, and graham cracker crust. This variation is quick to prepare. The pudding is mixed with lemon flavoring and poured into the crust.
- Lemon Meringue Cream Pie contains lemon curd or pudding filling and meringue topping. This version merges lemon meringue pie with creaminess. The topping is fluffy meringue. The pie offers texture and flavor contrasts.
- Flavor Variations
- You can add coconut or berries to the filling or topping.
- Coconut cream enhances the richness.
- Fresh berries add a tart contrast.
